Nordstrom’s 2026 Anniversary Sale opens for Early Access on July 18 at 12:01am ET. Standout shoe deals include the Cole Haan GrandPro Topspin Sneaker ($99.99), Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Slide ($109.99), and fall-forward picks like the Vince Camuto Kebrah Bootie ($109.99) and MARGAUX Cap-Toe Pointe flat ($163.99) — all discounted before the sale opens to everyone else.
What You’ll Find In This Post:
- Why I’m Shopping Shoes Before the Sale Even Opens
- 14 Shoes Worth Shopping This Year
- 👟 White Sneakers Worth Wearing All Year
- 🩴 Last Days of Summer Sandals
- 🥿 Flats That Already Feel Like Fall
- 👡 Mules for the In-Between Weather
- 🥾 Booties I’m Already Eyeing for Fall
- 👠 Block Heels & Slingbacks for Fall
- You Might Also Like
Why I’m Shopping Shoes Before the Sale Even Opens
Every year around this time, my feed fills up with the same beach totes and the same white sundresses, and every year I think: friends, we are two days from fall boots being live for Early Access, and nobody is talking about it. So today I’m doing something a little different — instead of just chasing the last of summer, I’m splitting this edit into three waves: the sandals and sneakers still worth wearing right now, the year-round staples that work in every season, and the fall pieces I’m already adding to my own cart before they sell out of my size.
A quick housekeeping note: this post is going up on Thursday, July 16 — two full days before Anniversary Early Access opens on Friday, July 18 at 12:01am ET. That’s intentional. If something here catches your eye, you’ve got time to write down the name, check your size, and be ready the second the sale goes live instead of scrambling once your favorites are already gone in your size.
The Edit
14 Shoes Worth Shopping This Year
As always, this isn’t an exhaustive best sellers list — it’s what I’d actually put in my own cart, organized by category so you can jump straight to what you need.
👟 White Sneakers Worth Wearing All Year
1. GrandPro Topspin Sneaker — Cole Haan
$99.99 (regularly $160.00) · White Dove
Why it works: This is the platform sneaker I keep coming back to when I want something polished enough for lunch but comfortable enough for a full day of errands. The chunky white sole gives it a little lift without looking like a running shoe, and the leather upper means it dresses up just as easily as it dresses down. Rated 4.5 stars by 518 shoppers. Runs true to size.
How I would style it: I’d wear this with cropped wide-leg trousers and a linen blazer, or with a simple midi dress when I want comfort without giving up polish.
2. Cloudnova X Training Sneaker — On
$119.99 (regularly $170.00) · White Glacier
Why it works: If you’ve been eyeing an On for a while, this is the one to grab during Early Access. It’s a genuine training shoe with the cushioned CloudTec sole On is known for, so it earns its keep whether you’re on a long walk, at the gym, or just on your feet all day at a farmers market. Shoppers say the fit runs true to size. Also available in black.
How I would style it: I’d pair this with joggers and a good jacket for travel days, or with a tennis skirt for an actual court.
3. GrandPro Davina Sneaker — Cole Haan
$109.99 (regularly $170.00) · Ivory Leather Ancient Scroll
Why it works: This is the retro-runner silhouette everyone’s been wearing, but in a soft ivory and suede colorway that feels a little more elevated than the sportier versions out there. It’s a brand-new style for Cole Haan this season, which is exactly why I wanted to get it in front of you before it’s everywhere. New arrival. The brand says this runs true to size.
How I would style it: I’d style this with straight-leg jeans rolled at the ankle and a cropped cardigan — casual but never sloppy.
🩴 Last Days of Summer Sandals
4. Arizona Big Buckle Slide Sandal — Birkenstock
$109.99 (regularly $174.95) · Antique White
Why it works: The Arizona is the sandal I recommend to almost everyone, but this Big Buckle version in Antique White with oversized gold hardware feels a little more finished — like the sandal grew up. It’s still that same footbed that molds to your foot over time, just dressed for a nicer occasion. Rated 4 stars by 1,220 shoppers. Shoppers say the fit runs true to size.
How I would style it: I’d wear this with wide-leg linen pants for the last warm weeks, or with a slouchy sweater and cropped pants once the mornings turn cool.
5. Farra Slide Sandal — Bruno Magli
$184.99 (regularly $275.00) · Cognac Leather
Why it works: This is a step up from your everyday slide — real cognac leather, a subtle logo buckle, and a low stacked heel that makes it look far more expensive than it is. It’s the sandal I’d pack for a September trip when I want one pair of shoes to do everything. New arrival. The brand says this runs true to size.
How I would style it: I’d wear this with a linen shirtdress or with cropped trousers and a silk cami for dinner out.
🥿 Flats That Already Feel Like Fall
6. Marten Mary Jane Ballet Flat — Dolce Vita
$99.99 (regularly $150.00) · Dark Brown Suede
Why it works: Mary Janes are everywhere for fall, and this dark brown suede version with the oversized gold buckle is the one I’d grab first. It reads a little vintage, a little French — the kind of flat that makes even the simplest outfit feel considered. The brand says this runs true to size.
How I would style it: I’d wear this with cropped trousers and cream socks peeking out, or with a fall midi dress and a moto jacket.
7. The Woven Paz Flat — MARGAUX
$217.99 (regularly $325.00) · Espresso Leather
Why it works: MARGAUX makes some of the most comfortable flats I’ve tried, and this woven espresso leather loafer is a genuine investment piece — the kind you resole and keep for a decade. The woven texture keeps it from feeling too serious. New arrival, rated 4.5 stars by 72 shoppers. Ships with free 90-day returns.
How I would style it: I’d wear this with cropped wide-leg denim and an oversized blazer, or with tailored trousers for the office.
8. The Cap-Toe Pointe — MARGAUX
$163.99 (regularly $245.00) · Dune and Black
Why it works: This is the flat I’d reach for on a day I want to look pulled together without any effort. The black cap toe on a soft dune leather feels a little bit ballet flat, a little bit Chanel — a genuinely timeless combination that won’t feel dated next fall either. Rated 4 stars by 94 shoppers. Ships with free 90-day returns.
How I would style it: I’d wear this with cropped trousers and a tucked-in blouse, or with a swingy fall dress and tights.
👡 Mules for the In-Between Weather
9. Brandy Pointed Toe Mule — Sam Edelman
$89.99 (regularly $150.00) · Cafe Noir
Why it works: A pointed mule with a walkable kitten heel is one of those pieces that quietly earns more wear than anything flashy in your closet. This cafe noir suede colorway is deep enough to read as a neutral with almost everything you already own. New arrival, rated 5 stars by early reviewers. The brand says this runs true to size.
How I would style it: I’d wear this with cropped straight-leg jeans and a tucked sweater, or with tailored trousers for a dinner out.
10. Carmen Mule Pump — Open Edit
$49.99 (regularly $89.95) · Tan Tiger
Why it works: This is the fun, budget-friendly pick of the whole edit — an animal print mule that adds personality to a plain outfit without asking you to commit to a whole leopard moment. It’s also part of Nordstrom’s ‘Nordstrom For Good’ program, so it’s a nice-to-know if that matters to you when you shop. New arrival. Part of the Nordstrom For Good program. The brand says this runs true to size.
How I would style it: I’d wear this with a simple black dress or with denim and a white tee — let the shoe do the talking.
🥾 Booties I’m Already Eyeing for Fall
11. Kebrah Bootie — Vince Camuto
$109.99 (regularly $169.00) · Black
Why it works: A clean black leather bootie with a block heel is the workhorse of every fall wardrobe, and this one has a pointed toe that keeps it from feeling boxy. It’s the bootie I’d tell a reader to buy if they only bought one this season. New arrival. The brand says this runs true to size.
How I would style it: I’d wear this with a fall dress and tights on day one of cool weather, or with skinny jeans tucked in for a more polished errand-day look.
12. Laidie Kitten Heel Bootie — Veronica Beard
$329.99 (regularly $495.00) · Chestnut
Why it works: This is the splurge of the edit, and I think it’s worth it — a chestnut suede bootie with a slim kitten heel that photographs beautifully with everything from denim to a slip skirt. It’s the kind of piece that becomes the bootie you wear on repeat for years. New arrival. The brand says this runs true to size.
How I would style it: I’d wear this with a midi skirt and a fitted sweater, or with wide-leg trousers for the office.
👠 Block Heels & Slingbacks for Fall
13. Winfred Pointed Toe Slingback Sandal — Sam Edelman
$89.99 (regularly $150.00) · Honey Bourbon
Why it works: A slingback with a block heel is the most forgiving heel shape there is — stable, comfortable enough for a full evening, and pointed enough to look current. This warm honey suede leans straight into the fall palette instead of just playing it safe in black. Rated 5 stars by 10 shoppers. New arrival. True to size.
How I would style it: I’d wear this with cropped denim and a cream sweater for a fall happy hour, or with a chocolate-brown midi dress for something more polished.
14. Emilia MJ Slingback Pump — Stuart Weitzman
$329.99 (regularly $495.00) · Black
Why it works: This one is a splurge, but it’s the kind of shoe that photographs like it costs twice as much — a Mary Jane strap and slingback in one, in buttery black leather with a walkable heel height. I’d consider this an investment piece for anyone who dresses up often for work or evenings out. New arrival, rated 5 stars by early reviewers. True to size.
How I would style it: I’d wear this with tailored trousers and a silk blouse, or with a cocktail dress for a fall wedding.
How to Choose Your NSale Shoes
- Shop Early Access first: all 14 of these are marked Anniversary Early Access, meaning eligible Nordy Club members can buy before the general public — worth confirming your membership tier ahead of July 18.
- Read the fit notes on each listing: several of these run true to size, but a few (like suede mules and pointed flats) may size differently depending on your natural width — check the brand’s specific note before you order.
- Buy the fall pieces now, wear them later: booties, block heels, and structured flats sell out of popular sizes fast during Early Access, even though you won’t wear them for another month or two.
- Save your splurge for something you’ll rewear constantly: if you’re only investing in one higher-price pair, pick a neutral (like the Veronica Beard bootie or the Stuart Weitzman slingback) over a trend piece.
- Double check return windows: a few of these (MARGAUX flats) ship with 90-day returns instead of Nordstrom’s standard window, which is worth knowing if you’re sizing between two options.
FAQs
Early Access for eligible Nordy Club members opens Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 12:01am ET. Public access dates typically follow within the same week — check Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale page directly for the exact public opening date, since Nordstrom sets tiered access by membership level each year.
Nordstrom typically grants Early Access based on Nordy Club tier, with cardmembers getting the earliest access. If you’re not sure which tier you’re in, it’s worth checking your Nordy Club account before July 18 so you know exactly when your access window opens.
My top picks are the Cole Haan GrandPro Topspin Sneaker for everyday wear, the Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle for the last weeks of summer, and the Vince Camuto Kebrah Bootie as the single best fall investment in this entire edit.
Closing Thoughts
I always love seeing what this community gravitates toward once a sale like this goes live — last year it was almost entirely sandals and this year I have a feeling it’s going to be the boots. Whatever you end up adding to your cart, I hope this gave you a head start on your list before everyone else is refreshing the same ten pages on Saturday morning.
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